Washington State Spokane Area

Friday, April 14, 2017

Unpermitted Bulldozer Cuts into Fragile South Hill Conservation Land Bluff
The volunteer group Friends of the Bluff rallied to stop the bulldozer, notifiy the City of Spokane, Avista, and group members. On Thursday evening, April 13, 2017, about 20 concerned citizens met at the Rocket cafe to discuss plans of action, not only to stop the road and restore the Bluff, but also to protect the Bluff and other areas against these types of unannounced attacks on conservation land.

The Bluff users are often in disagreement about the types of uses for this fragile environmental system. Some want more people to visit the Bluff, others want fewer people on this fragile land. Hikers and runners are often at odds with mountain bikers, regarding the environmental impact of bike treads on the paths.

However, during this meeting, the Bluff users set their differences aside to join their efforts to keep the Bluff protected from machinery such as the bulldozer, which left people concerned about mud slides and erosion. Equally of concern was that a rogue bulldozer, hired by someone as yet unnamed, without a permit, drove onto the Bluff and began destruction of conservation lands.

This bulldozer bulldozed not only through fragile land without warning, but also through every safeguard in place. The result was incredible damage to the land and to the lives of people who enjoy the Bluff for recreation and beauty.

The historical importance of the entire Latah Creek valley and Bluff is incalculable, as this area served Native Americans for thousands of years, providing fresh fish, game, and materials. This area is still precious and deserves to stay beautiful for generations to come in the future.

** Please send Friends of the Bluff a copy of your comments by posting a copy on the contact form

"Overview
April 10 and 11, a contractor built a road and removed trees on Parks conservation land along the bluff on the south hill (below Bernard and north along the bank of Latah Creek), adjacent to and across an Avista utility easement corridor, and on private property.
There was an apparent misunderstanding regarding the authorization of construction of the access road and tree removal.
The City did not receive or authorize a permit request for this work, which would involve property designated as conservation land.
The contractor has been told in writing and verbally to stop all work. The City of Spokane’s risk management department is assessing the damage."

Washington wildlife managers spent $135,000 to fatally shoot seven of 11 wolves that had attacked cattle in northeast Washington. The Spokesman-Review reports the Department of Fish and Wildlife released a 200-page report on last year's effort to remove the Profanity Peak wolf pack. The agency reported helicopter and staff time for the aerial gunning made up most of the spending while $10,000 was paid to an area trapper."

Instead, of killing wildlife, Washington State needs to follow its mission and help wildlife.
The Department of Killing Wildlife needs to watch this video, about how the wolves transform the ecosystem and physical geography in beneficial ways.

"In 1995, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, along with Canadian biologists, captured 14 wolves in Canada and placed them in Yellowstone National Park, where they had been extinct since 1926. Over the next few years, the number of wolves rose, but that was the least of the changes that took place in Yellowstone.The effects were more striking than anyone could have expected.The entire ecosystem of the national park transformed and it went so far that even the rivers changed.How could this have happened?Watch the clip and marvel at the amazing way in which nature works."

Friday, October 14, 2016

Sometimes
there is a deep clear blue with fluffy clouds rushing from Southwest to
Northeast. Other
times the clouds turn dark gray, covering the sun’s rays. The howling wind is now joined by the sound of chainsaws.

We all hope that this is just planned cutting of winter wood, and not because a tree might have fallen on the road, on someone's house or garage.All be
safe.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Here's some information about a planned rally against coal exports:"In a desperate attempt to save their crumbling industry and protect their bottom lines, the world's largest coal companies want to send millions of tons of coal through our communities every day to ports on our coast.

They started with six proposed coal export terminals. Thanks to thousands of people just like you, we're down to just one proposed terminal -- Millennium Bulk Logistics in Longview, WA.

Coal trains are already disrupting our communities and local economy. More coal exports mean more air and water pollution, more traffic, and more toxic spills.

If the coal companies get their way, they'll be sending 44 million metric tons of coal through Longview every year. That would bring 16 dirty coal trains through north Idaho each day. Just one accident would be devastating. You have the power to make sure that doesn't happen.

Join us on May 26 to deliver a clear message to decision makers: We don't want coal in our communities. We can do better than dirty coal.